“A lot of stuff has been going on in my life,” he began. “This break… there’s a few things behind it. As people know, my dad passed away and I’m still coming to terms with that, and also, my intention was to spend some time back in Arizona, but that’s becoming a little harder to do,” given that his girlfriend and mother to his child, Luana Lucci, is currently attending school and his son Dawson’s daycare is in California.

“Right now, I’m just more about doing things mentally, physically, preparing myself for whatever comes… next chapters,” Duell shared then went on to say that the ABC soap’s executive producer Frank Valentini has left the door open for a return. “We’ll see what happens in the future, but right now I’m just trying to grow in ways that maybe I stifled myself. Sometimes you have to take drastic steps or make yourself feel uncomfortable to take a step and that’s kind of what I have not allowed myself to do. That’s the journey at this moment.”

Though the holidays are a time for family and such, come January, Duell stated, “I have a few things planned that I want to do for myself.” He knows taking care of himself will allow him to be better for those around him and taking care of himself isn’t something he’s always done. Burton assured him that it’s good to take a break and Anderson agreed, as both touched base on times they left the show. And as Duell reflected on the almost 15 years he’s spent playing Micheal, he stated, “I feel like I had a very strong complacency and comfort for such a long time that my identity was wrapped up in that and who I was with the show… this character that I’ve done for so long.”

He knows it’ll take some time and added, “It’s going to be a process, kind of unraveling that and really seeing who I am and where I am now in my life. There’s a lot of work I have to do to achieve the potential I know that I have. Not just career-wise but a lot of aspects.” On the flipside, he expressed how “extremely blessed” he is for having been on the show for so long.

Burton brought up how funny Duell is and how that trait is a passion of his, adding that people need to know there’s more to him than Michael. And those who follow him on social media have seen his funny side, as he’s been featured in various videos with castmates and posted photos with comical captions.

In any case, Duell is excited for the next chapter and to just “take that breath and reset” and see where he’s at now in his life and grow the ways he needs to grow.” And we wish him nothing but the best as he sets out to discover what life has to offer both mentally and physically. With any luck, we’d love to one day see him back on General Hospital, even if it’s just for a brief visit.